709 466-3468
299 Memorial Drive

Clifford Forward August 30, 1939 - October 21, 2023

Clifford Forward of Clarenville, age 84 years, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

Cliff was born in Carbonear and grew up in Buchans. He attended and graduated from Memorial University with a bachelor’s degree in education and the University of Ottawa with a master’s degree in education. Cliff and his growing family set roots in Clarenville in 1971. He worked as principal of the junior high school, and later vice principal and principal of the high school. Cliff was instrumental in setting up the Clarenville High School Scholarship Trust Foundation. As a lifelong Lion he served in many senior roles both locally and regionally. Cliff was active in minor hockey and Memorial United Church. He was a passionate student of history and politics and an avid reader. In later years he enjoyed traveling, woodworking, acrylic painting and spending time with his family.

Cliff is predeceased by his parents Warrick and Hazel (née Penney); brother Edward; and parents-in-law Lawrence and Phyllis Gulliford (nee Hatcher). Left to mourn with fond and loving memories are his wife of 59 years Joan (née Gulliford); children Kevin (Denise Ouellette), Toronto, Ontario; Susan Stennick (Luke), Lincoln, New Brunswick and Steven (Anita), St. John’s; grandchildren Krista Davis (Jean-Philippe), Elizabeth Fenn (Liam Letourneau), Ethan Fenn and Felicity Forward; great grandson Sebastien Davis; sister-in-law Beverly Forward (Reg Lake); nephew George Forward (Jennifer); niece Jennifer Forward (David Sesk); and a large circle of family and friends. Resting at Fewer’s Funeral Home, Clarenville. Visitations on Wednesday, October 25 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, October 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial Service to be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 2:00 p.m. at Memorial United Church, Clarenville, with interment to follow at the United Church Cemetery, Church Hill, Clarenville. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Clarenville High School Scholarship Fund or a charity of one’s choice. 

The family would like to say a special thank you to home care workers Marilyn Holloway and Andrea Clarke for all of their love, care and support over the past couple of months and also to his daughters-in-law Denise and Anita for keeping him comfortable in his final days.  

Memorial Service to be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 2:00 p.m. at Memorial United Church, Clarenville, with interment to follow at the United Church Cemetery, Church Hill, Clarenville.

Condolences(64)

  1. REPLY
    Muriel Green says

    Joan and family,
    Sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your loved one .

    • REPLY
      Barb Genge says

      Susan, Joan, Krista, Kevin , Stephen and families
      We were deeply saddened to hear of Cliff’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathy to you all.
      Sorry for your loss. 💐
      Barb and Ed Genge

      • REPLY
        Alex & Eileen Sweetland says

        Joan & Family : Please access our heart felt condolences on the loss of Cliff. He will be sadly missed in many walks of life. He was a great Educator and I miss our many many chats. He was a man that cared deeply about his community..Rest in Peace Cliff

    • REPLY
      Reginald Lake says

      Sorry for you lost. My sincere condolences to the family.

  2. REPLY
    Geraldine Pomroy says

    Sending sincere condolences from myself and my family.

  3. REPLY
    Pauline Metcalfe and family says

    My deepest sympathy for all of Cliff’s family.

  4. REPLY
    Karen Cormier says

    Deepest sympathy. Wishing you peace and love at this time

  5. REPLY
    Warren & Betty Cole says

    Sincere condolences to Joan and the whole family.

  6. REPLY
    Chris Baxendale says

    Sending condolences to Joan, Kevin, Susan, Steven and families. Thinking of you all in your time of sorrow.

    • REPLY
      Linda waye. says

      To Joan and family so sorry for your loss

  7. REPLY
    Don Drodge says

    Oh my l am so sorry to hear this news today he was very special to me we had lot’s of laughs our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends rest in peace Mr Forward

  8. REPLY
    Voctor Wiseman says

    Joan and family, sorry to hear about Cliff’s passing … he was a good friend and will be sadly missed in the community. Sincerely, Victor Wiseman

  9. REPLY
    Rosanne Balsom says

    Mr . Forward… You were a community builder and amazing attribute to our education system in Clarenville. I will NEVER forget your kind words and support through out my secondary education. You always believed in the good and potential of your students. Thank you Sir! My sincere condolences to your family… it is difficult to lose a spouse and parent at any age.. No doubt your grandchildren adored you…

  10. REPLY
    Kaye Power says

    We wish to extend sincere condolences to Joan, Kevin, Susan, Steven, and their families at this sad time. Dave and Kaye Power

  11. REPLY
    Jim Hughes says

    A fine man. I enjoyed every conversation I had with him. My condolences to his family.

  12. REPLY
    Joan & Pat Cheeseman says

    Condolences to Joan & her family on the passing of her husband Cliff.

  13. REPLY
    Glenn Gulliford says

    Thinking of the entire Forward family at this time. My prayers are with you all.
    When I think of Cliff, I immediately think of his larger-than-life chuckle and ear-to-ear grin! He was always looking for an excuse to smile and laugh. (He usually found one!).
    From his high school skit at a talent show where “Cleavland squeezed our Browns” to asking me to retell the story of “don’t kick in the grate Doug!”, there was always something that made you laugh and feel a bit brighter. He’ll be waiting for us all up there, ready to tell us a good one that he’s heard recently! If you listen carefully, I’m sure you can hear his chuckle coming through on the wind!
    Take care of each other. Rember, Earth has no power that Heaven cannot heal.
    Love you all – Glenn & Heather

    • REPLY
      James Penney says

      Condolences to Joan and families.Sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing my thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been a long time but I remember you both well.R.l.P. Cliff.

  14. REPLY
    Verna Duffitt-Stryde says

    So sorry to hear of Mr Forward’s passing. Deepest condolences to his family. He was my history teacher at Clarenville High in the early 80’s. So many memories. Rest in peace and fly high with the angels Mr Forward.

  15. REPLY
    Alison (White) Colwell says

    My sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. I remember Mr. Forward during my days at Clarenville High, so many years ago (80’s). A strong presence and a fair man. My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.

  16. REPLY
    Donna Martin says

    Our condolences to Joan and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  17. REPLY
    Tony bittner says

    My condolences to the family

    • REPLY
      Nancy Woolridge says

      So sorry to hear of your great loss Felicity and Family. He sounds like a remarkable man.

  18. REPLY
    Eric & Anne Freeborn says

    Joan & family ,so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing ,our thoughts are with you. Eric & Anne Freeborn

    • REPLY
      Bill & Hannah Welsh says

      Joan and Family,
      Sorry to read of Cliff’s passing. We have fond memories of you both during our time in Clarenville. Our Deepest Sympathy to you all. Cherish the memories of the good times shared.
      Sincerely.
      Hannah & Bill Welsh

  19. REPLY
    Lion Deanna Pardy Burns says

    On behalf of the Hubbards Area Lions Club, Fox Point Nova Scotia, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Lion Clifford. Our thoughts and prayers are with his fellow lions and his family at this most difficult time.

  20. REPLY
    Judy Cole says

    Condolences Joan, Sue, Krista and family. Will hold you in prayer during these difficult days.

  21. REPLY
    Laura and Len williams says

    Joan, sincere condolences to you and all your family on the passing of Cliff. I remember him from growing up in Buchans and Len remembers him from his university and teaching days. What a lovely photo of him. I know your loss is a deep one and we are both thinking of you at this sad time. May God’s blessing surround you and grant you peace.

  22. REPLY
    Paul Neil says

    Condolences to the family . Cliff was a kind and caring man . He made a positive impression and impact to all who knew him .

  23. REPLY
    Mary Larner-Pardy says

    Our deepest condolences to the Forward Family.

  24. REPLY
    Dorothy Baker says

    My sincere condolences to the family, Mr. Forward was an amazing principal and teacher, He was always there to listen and lend a hand. Rest in peace Mr. Forward.

  25. REPLY
    Jonah Tremblay says

    Krista and family,

    Sorry for your loss. Hoping you can find solace in the fond memories you have. He was a gentleman and role model of a father and grandfather.

  26. REPLY
    Michael Foote says

    I am still at a loss for words. Cliff was a truly amazing humanitarian servant and an even more amazing leader. He has mentored many people in his life and will continue to live on in each and every one of them.
    My deepest condolences to the family.
    Although it may be a difficult time now, take comfort in knowing Cliff’s kind heart and enthusiasm for helping the world will live on in the ones whom he mentored.

  27. REPLY
    Michelle Funk says

    Joan and Family,
    I’m very sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing.
    My best wishes to you all at this time of sadness.
    Michelle Funk and Sons

  28. REPLY
    Sandra Blackmore says

    Mr. Forward was my high school History teacher at Musgravetown High School. Several years later when I became a teacher, Cliff and I had many conversations at district school meetings. Deepest condolences to Joan and all his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  29. REPLY
    Heather Preston says

    Steve, you and your family have my most sincere condolences. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

  30. REPLY
    Clyde & Ruth Harris says

    Condolences to the family.

  31. REPLY
    Velma & Eldon Spurrell says

    So sorry to hear about Cliff’s passing! Our sincere condolences to Joan and their families.

  32. REPLY
    Jacqueline Pottle says

    Sending condolences to Joan, Kevin, Susan, Steven and families. May all your happy memories comfort you in your grief.

  33. REPLY
    Ken, Mary, Emily and Gregory Shugarue says

    To the Forward family, we send our sincere condolences. We always enjoyed Cliff’s company. He was a lovely person with such a wonderful sense of humour. It was obvious in every conversation that his family meant the world to him. He was “Pop Forward” to Emily and Gregory and he always took time to talk with them and make them smile. Cherish all of your wonderful memories.

  34. REPLY
    Bob & Barbara Lyle says

    Joan and family, we are sorry to hear of Lion Cliff’s passing. It was great serving in Lionism with Lion Cliff and you. Our prayers are with you and your family. We have fond memories that will last forever. Sincerely, Bob & Barbara

  35. REPLY
    Janice Slade says

    Joan and Family, I was deeply saddened by Cliffs Passing , Myself and Paul are thinking about you at this very difficult time

  36. REPLY
    Beverley Barry says

    Our Condolences to Mrs Forward & family
    So very sad to learn about Mr. Forwards passing
    Mr Forward was one of my favourites from grade 8-12
    Always a grin and a look over his glasses.. late again Miss Decker . Rest easy Sir 💙

  37. REPLY
    Barbara Barbour says

    Joan and family.
    So sorry to hear of the passing of Cliff.will keep you in my thoughts and prayers..
    Barbara

  38. REPLY
    Ray & Betty Butt says

    To Joan & family
    We were so sorry to hear of Cliffs passing. Ray & Calvin have fond memories from 1967-1968.
    You & your family are in our prayers.

  39. REPLY
    Roberta (Bobbi) Stanford says

    Joan and family, so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing..I have fond memories of him during my time at Clarenville High. My deepest sympathies to all of you.

  40. REPLY
    Robert Gosling says

    Joan and Families,
    We were so sorry to hear of Cliffs passing.Sending our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
    Frances and Robert Gosling

  41. REPLY
    Trevor Durant says

    Mr. Forward. You were always kind, and nice. No matter how much us kids caused trouble. Thank you. My thoughts are with the family.

  42. REPLY
    Stephanie Blundon says

    I’m saddened to hear of Cliffs passing. As a previous fellow Lion in Clarenville I have great memories of our fellowship. Cliff always had a smile on his face and was always very friendly. My thoughts are with Joan and the family.

  43. REPLY
    Pat Coffin says

    Joan and Family, So sorry to hear about the passing of Cliff. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Pat Coffin

  44. REPLY
    Janette Lambert says

    Joan & Family …deepest Condolences, I will never forget you & Cliff & your hospitality….

  45. REPLY
    Herbert Burry says

    Joan & Family:

    Phyllis and I were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Cliff’s passing. He was a wonderful individual and we held him in the highest respect. We hold dear to our hearts the many wonderful memories we have of him. Be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. GOD BLESS!
    I have forwarded “A Tribute to Lion Cliff” to Susan at her email address.

    Phyllis & Herb

  46. REPLY
    Frank Winsor says

    Joan and Family
    Please accept our sincere condolences on Cliff’s passing. We were privileged to have known him for many years as a teaching colleague, a fellow Lion and most of all as a great friend. We will always cherish our memories of time spent in his company.
    May your own collective memories be a source of comfort to you all in mourning his loss.
    Sincerely,
    Frank & Louise Winsor

  47. REPLY
    Ross and Sandra Wiseman says

    Sincere condolences to Joan and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

  48. REPLY
    Betty Shugarue Hansen says

    Steven and. Family: My deepest condolences for your loss. May the memories you made and shared together over the years bring you comfort at this time and in the days ahead.

  49. REPLY
    JOHN JOLLIFFE says

    Joan and Family, My deepest condolences on the passing of Cliff. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time. May the holy spirit provide comfort over you. Blessings.

  50. REPLY
    Mark Power says

    Deepest condolences to the entire family. Always helpful and approachable to a student or community member, his guidance was always reliable and a model for all.

  51. REPLY
    Frazer and Sherry Russell says

    Joan, Kevin, Susan, Steven and families,
    We are so sorry to be out of the province and unable to attend today’s service. Please accept our sincere condolences on Cliff’s passing. He was an outstanding educator who always placed students first, a witty man, and a great colleague. He contributed much to the town of Clarenville through minor hockey, the Lions Club, his church and other pursuits.. We remember him fondly.

  52. REPLY
    Marilyn Mcguire says

    Joan and family,
    So sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. Condolences to all of you and may you find comfort in your memories.
    Marilyn ( Adam’s) and John Mcguire

  53. REPLY
    Bill Williams says

    Joan and Family. We are so saddened to hear of Cliff’s passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead. God Bless. Rev. Bill & Lillian

  54. REPLY
    Nancy Woolridge says

    Felicity and Family, so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a remarkable man. Intelligence must run in the family, Felicity.

  55. REPLY
    Bernice Crowley says

    Steve, Anita and families, My deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

  56. REPLY
    Tobias Saint says

    Joan and Family. Sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
    Toby and Ivy Saint

  57. REPLY
    Beverly (Hynes) Donovan says

    Joan and Family,
    May your many memories never die and continue to bring you comfort and peace. It is a challenging transition to make when those we love are no longer with us in body.

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